A4 Quattro Wagon L4-1.8L Turbo (ATW) (2000)
Refrigerant: Description and Operation
A/C Refrigerant R-134a Properties
Refrigerant R-134a, Properties
Commercial designation
Obtain R-134a refrigerant from a local A/C supplier under one of the following names:
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R-134a
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Tetrafluoroethane
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CH2 F CF3
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H-FKW 134a
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SUVA (R) TRANS A/C
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ARCTON (R) 134a
NOTE: R-134a refrigerant is packaged in different containers. One variation is SUVA (R) COLD MP used only for commercial applications. This type
of R-134a is sold in cylinders using a 1/4 flare fitting which will not connect to the 1/2 inch - 16 ACME fittings used on the vehicle and servicing
equipment. Use only R-134a which comes in containers having the correct type of service fitting.
Color
Refrigerant R-134a is colorless and is invisible as a gas. R-134a when viewed through a sight glass (if installed) may appear milky due to the mixture of
refrigerant and lubricating oil (PAG oil).
Temperature/pressure relationship
Similar to R-12 refrigerant, R-134a in an enclosed container will have a specific temperature/pressure relationship as follows:
Temperature in °C (°F)
Pressure in bar (psi)
-30 (-22)
0.0 (0.0)
-20 (-4)
0.3 (4.4)
-10 (14)
1.0 (14.5)
0 (32)
1.9 (27.5)
10 (50)
3.1 (45.0)
20 (68)
4.7 (68.2)
30 (86)
6.7 (97.2)
40 (104)
9.1 (132.0)
50 (122)
12.2 (177.0)
60 (140)
15.8 (229.2)
70 (158)
20.2 (293.0)
WARNING!
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Paint repairs on vehicles with A/C.
-
While performing body/paint repairs involving the use of preheating or drying ovens, do not expose any component of the A/C system to
temperatures above 80 °C/176 °F Excessive heat will cause a pressure increase which could burst the system
-
Temperature/pressure chart.
Airborne properties
Escaped refrigerant gases are heavier than air and will gather first in low places, like under the car. R-134a refrigerant gas displaces oxygen and may
cause suffocation in low areas of poor air circulation.
Effects on the environment
Because R-134a does not contain chlorine atoms, the major catalyst in ozone depletion, R-134a has no ozone depletion potential.
R-134a does not cause smog and has a considerably lower global warming potential (greenhouse effect) than R-12 refrigerant. Nonetheless, do not
release R-134a into the environment and always recover/recycle using approved service equipment.
Effects on plastics
Refrigerant R-134a will deteriorate some plastics. When system temperature drops, these plastics can be deposited at the expansion valve or restrictor
causing blockage. Therefore, when making system repairs, use only genuine Audi replacement parts which are specified for use with R-134a refrigerant.
Effects on metal